Previously on Sins of the Past.. Chapter 2

Meanwhile, as Bette’s plane took off for New York, she looked out the window at the evening sky and thought about what lay ahead of her in the city that never sleeps.

“Helena… you have no idea what you’ve messed with. You’re about to meet the real Bette Porter, the one who’s woman you had your way with, the one who’s career you tried to ruin… the one who’s gonna wipe the floor with you before packing you up and sending you back over the pond, …express!”

Denver, Colorado


Tina was swamped. One of the lead actresses in the movie had objected to a particular scene because of a ‘No-nudity’ clause or some such in her contract. I mean, really who has one of them these days? Anyway, it made for a hectic day of conference calls and meetings to get the scene re-written to where the actress was at her ‘comfort-level’. By the time it was all agreed, the day’s shooting had been a loss and was now getting seriously behind schedule. As she left the set for the day and headed for her hotel, she wanted nothing more than to soak in a hot bath and have a glass of wine or two to knock her out.

When she finally got to her room, she headed straight for the bathroom to draw her bath, pouring some bubble bath in to relax her and headed straight for the mini-bar. After pouring her wine, she held her cell phone to her ear as she stripped while walking to the bedroom of her suite.

*RING RING*

“Hi..”

“Hey Babe, I just..”

“You’ve reached the phone of Bette Porter. I’m afraid I can’t take your call right now. Leave a message or you can try me at the CAC”

Tina sighed, but decided to just leave Bette a message that she’d only be awake for another hour. If Bette didn’t ring till she got back to her room, the 2-hour time difference would mean she’d wake Tina.

“Hi Baby, it’s just me” Tina started, “I wanted to try get you before too late. I’m about to jump into a bath for an hour and then hit the hay. If you get this before then, call me. Otherwise, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. It’s been a crazy day and I’m wiped. I hope all is going well for you. Miss you, bye”.

Tina wanted nothing better than to just hear Bette’s voice after such a tiring day, but knew she was probably schmoozing at some art gallery, using her charm on potential investors.

“As long as that’s all she using it on…” Tina shook off the wave of insecurity.

“Stop that,” she said aloud. “That’s water under the bridge”. She took her glass of wine, as well as a sneaky box of chocolates from the mini-bar, “Heck Alphaville can treat me after today”, she thought.



Meanwhile, in New York…..


Bette Porter was working the crowd like never before. She glided through the room with such grace, that one would think it was her own show and not that of her worst enemy.

“Hi, I’m Bette Porter. California Arts Centre” she decided to introduce herself to the man next to her who was also admiring a photographic work in front of her.

“Ah, Miss Porter indeed. I’ve heard only good things, though I must say, your beauty has been severely understated. Who does you PR? Sack them,” came the enamoured response.

Bette laughed warmly and replied, “Oh please don’t flatter me. I don’t compare to the works in front of me.”

“I beg to differ. I am the photographer of these works and I must say, I would be honoured if I had such a beauty as a subject. Arthur Miller’s the name. Pleasure.”

Bette pretended to be shocked as she entered a conversation and tried to woo him into displaying his work at the CAC.

As she spoke with Arthur Miller, Bette couldn’t help but notice somebody approaching over his shoulder. That over-confident swagger would be recognisable anywhere. Helena Peabody.

Bette stiffened as she approached. She’s been in New York for two days, and had attended two events already organised by the Peabody foundation, but this was the first time she had actually encountered Helena.

“Arthur darling. What are you doing mingling with the common folk? My mother wishes to speak with you this instant. I’m sorry to interrupt, … Bette.” Helena directed coldly at Bette.

“Miss Porter, would you excuse me? I really shouldn’t keep Peggy waiting.” Arthur apologised to Bette and practically ran to where Helena had directed him.

“Nice.” Bette simply said to Helena.

“How are you getting on here Bette? It seems you look a little lost. If I’d known you were going to be so completely out of your depth, I would have saved you the embarrassment and not invited you.” Helena snootily informed Bette.

“Cut the ***** Helena, we both know why you invited me, and it was nothing to do with my depth” Bette stated with a tight smile planted on her face, determined not to let Helena get to her.

“Ah yes, the lovely Tina. How is she? I may just give her a call tonight. I know what it’s like to be out of town, all alone in a hotel…” Helena drifted off, knowing she’d hit a nerve as she saw Bette’s body language change.

“Ok, that’s it. Listen up Helena. You may think I’m out of my depth here, but let me tell you, I’ve been doing this since before Mommy dearest threatened to take away the trust fund if you didn’t take over. I could wipe the floor with you in the art world and you know it. So do us both a favour, and save yourself the humiliation.” Bette refused to show Helena any anger she was causing her.

Bette put her glass of wine down and turned back to Helena, who stood there with an arrogant smirk Bette thought.

“Oh and one more thing” she whispered in her ear as she got into Helena’s personal space, “If I hear that you contacted my wife tonight, or any other night for that matter, I will wipe the floor with you. And I don’t mean metaphorically.”

Helena didn’t know when to stop “Oh really? I could ruin you Bette, and you know it. There is not one funding agency or investor that will touch the CAC when I’m finished with you, she threatened.

Bette just smiled slowly as she took in what Helena said.

“You know what, Helena. I don’t care what you do, because at the end of the day I know I’m going home to Tina’s arms, whilst you’re…” she let the sentence speak for itself, as she walked towards the cloakroom.

“Oh and Helena?..” she called over her shoulder, “Thanks for the invite! See you tomorrow.”

Helena was left standing alone. She was fuming and intent on ruining Bette Porter’s career in the art world, if it was the last thing she ever did.

Outside the gallery, Bette hailed a taxi as she checked her voicemail.

“Hi Baby…” she heard, and entered the taxi with the biggest smile and a warm feeling inside.

“This is what’s important. This is what I live for,” she thought as she checked her watch and decided to try call Tina.

TBC

***Okay, I know this is a short one, but I’m only getting into the flow of it after finals completely zapped my brains. I promise the next chapter will be full of B & T and hopefully posted later if not tomorrow.